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Cheap pickups! Dodge Ram slashes prices

Chrysler's Dodge is slashing prices on its all-new heavy-duty Ram pickups - hacking almost $2,000 in the case of one model.

2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will offer more features at a lower price, Chrysler says. Base prices will be $28,165 for regular cab models, $31,415 for crew cab models and $36,865 for mega cab models. All prices include $950 for destination.

The price of the regular cab alone is $1,970 less than the model it replaces. The new trucks arrive in dealerships by the end of the year. What a Dodge boss has to say about it:

“Our all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are purpose built to master any challenge and have it all: head-turning design, class-leading interior amenities, increased towing capability, proven durability, convenience features inside and out, craftsmanship and safety — all at a great value," says Fred Diaz, CEO of the Dodge Ram unit. "And with our new crew-size cab model, we’re now competing in the heart of the heavy-duty pickup segment.”

The trucks will be built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. Their features include a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness, front coil-spring suspension setup and multi-leaf springs in back and shocks and springs tuned for optimum ride quality.

An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control in towing situations. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) - or what the rest of us call the dashboard - that is standard on diesel models and available on gas SLT, TRX and Laramie models.

Photo of Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie by Jim Frenak/Chrysler